Sous Chef (Full-Time) - Wesley Willows Campus

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Sous Chef (Full-Time) - Wesley Willows Campus

Wesley Willows

icon Rockford, IL, US, 61104

iconFull Time

icon9 October 2025

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Sous Chef

Department: Dining Services, CTC
FLSA/ Classification: Salary/Exempt
Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000/year - Depending on Experience
Reports to: Corporate Executive Chef
Location: Wesley Willows Campus - Rockford, IL

Summary:

The Sous Chef will be responsible for supporting the Corporate Executive Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff.

Performs routine food service tasks under general supervision in accordance with sanitary regulations and company-established policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Prepare or direct the preparation of meals in accordance with corporate programs and guidelines, as set by the Corporate Executive Chef.
  • Ensures that high quality food items are prepared and presented in a cost-effective manner.
  • Assists in all phases of planning, ordering, inventory, and food preparation under the direction of the Corporate Executive Chef, as well as maintaining any corresponding logs, systems or documentation.
  • Supports the management of cost controls and control expenditures for the location.
  • Expert knowledge of a wide variety of kitchen positions and stations.
  • Assists in roll-out of new initiatives and programs, as required, by the Corporate Executive Chef.
  • Supervises BOH co-workers to ensure the cleanliness, organization, and overall sanitation of the kitchen(s).
  • Knowledge of food cost and how it pertains to kitchen operations, product procurement, inventory systems and production.
  • Ability to think quickly and critically, as well as create, produce, and serve on the fly.
  • Motivates, trains, develops, and directs BOH employees in preparing/cooking foods to accomplish the objectives of the operation.
  • Motivates, trains, develops, and directs BOH employees in proper food handling and safety.
  • Assists with internal and external caterings/event services as required by the Corporate Executive Chef.
  • Maintain food safety, workplace safety and sanitation logs to ensure regulatory compliance for state/federal survey preparedness.
  • Ability to lead, teach, coach and develop kitchen staff on elevated food preparation methods and best practices, while educating staff on workplace safety, sanitation and food safety.
  • Manages and organizes locational BOH scheduling as requested by the Corporate Executive Chef.
  • Knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls and presentation.
  • Purchases supplies and equipment for operations, as needed, with approvals from the Corporate Executive Chef.
  • Must be knowledgeable of dietary practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing dietary functions in a CCRC community.
  • Participate in weekly team calls, as requested.
  • Ability to multitask, motivate, lead, take initiative, be flexible, highly adaptable, and provide elevated professional service to residents, customers and staff.
  • Ability to implement systems under the direction of the Corporate Executive Chef, as required, for operational efficiencies and regulatory compliance.
  • Will participate in resident satisfaction programs and activities, where appropriate.
  • Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams), Outlook, e-mail and the internet.
  • Meet or exceed KPIs as set by the Corporate Executive Chef.
  • Assist the Corporate Executive Chef to meet or better location PPD goals.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education/Skills/Experience/Credentials:

  • 5+ years relevant experience in kitchen operations and management
  • Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and oral/written communication skills
  • Extensive catering/event experience
  • Possess and maintain a current ServSafe Food Manager’s License
  • Systems oriented, computer proficient
  • Understanding of BOH financial systems, methods and operations
  • Valid Driver’s License

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to stand and walk during 6-to-8-hour shifts.
  • Ability to reach, bend, stoop, and wipe.
  • Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 25 pound and place on high and low shelves in storerooms.
  • Ability to frequently push carts with dishes and supplies up to 60 pounds to storerooms.

Other regulated requirements:

  • Must be willing to undergo pre-employment background check, including (MVR) moving vehicle records.
  • Must have or be willing to receive the Flu-Shot Vaccine, and TB testing.
  • Must be willing to undergo pre-employment drug screening, including cannabis.
  • Must be willing to undergo biometric screening.

Benefits we offer:

  • PTO
  • 403b - with employer match, after 6 months
  • Medical coverage with employer contribution
  • Employer Paid Life Insurance
  • Dental and Vision
  • Variety of voluntary benefit elections
  • Reasonably priced meals
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Much more!

Wesley Willows and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer

Wesley Willows and its affiliates operate a Drug & Alcohol-free campus